Public will have say on GP future, says board

Health bosses have promised to consult with local people over the future of the out-of-hours GP service which caters for the people of Milngavie and Bearsden.

The Herald revealed a few weeks ago that the service, based at Drumchapel Hospital is under threat after plans to close a number of wards there.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said this week it wanted to reassure people that they would be “engaged” in any changes to the service.

This follows a call by health secretary Shona Robison to involve residents in a full public consultation.

She said: “I have already made clear that any future service changes in any NHS boards, including NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, must be in line with the recommendations arising out of the National Review of Primary Care Out-of-Hours Services being conducted by Prof Sir Lewis Ritchie, which will report its finding later in the autumn.

“Any proposals to make significant changes to local services must be taken after a full consultation with the local population and relevant stakeholders, in line with national guidance.”

A spokesperson for NHSGGC said: “Residents in North West Glasgow will continue to be covered by a GP Out of Hours Service.

“Any changes to where and how the services are provided will be engaged on as this work progresses.”

NHSGGC wants to transfer all older people’s rehabilitation services for the west of Glasgow – a total of 56 beds – to Gartnavel Hospital.

It is believed the out-of-hours GP service is also under threat of being moved.

Gordon Cox of Bearsden Community Council said any closure of the GP service was a “concern for the people of Milngavie and Bearsden unless there is an adequate alternative.”

“The proposals appear to be somewhat confusing and clarity is needed.”

People can attend a public meeting on Monday, November 9 at 6.30pm in Drumchapel High School about the threat to the hospital.